Introduction
You stand in a store. You see shirts labeled with numbers and letters. 39. 41. 175/92A. The codes seem confusing. But they are not random. They follow a standard. The standard helps you find shirts that fit. Men’s shirts are sized by collar circumference. Numbers like 37, 38, 39, 40, and so on. Height and chest measurements are also used. Understanding these codes saves time. It prevents buying shirts that are too tight or too loose. This guide explains shirt sizing. You will learn how to read labels. You will understand the number/type system. You will know what body type codes mean.
What Is the Number/Type System?
The shirt series uses a national standard. It is expressed as number/type, with a body type code. For example, 175/92A. The number is height. The type is chest measurement. The letter is body type.
Number
The number refers to height. It is measured in centimeters. 175 means the shirt fits people around 175 cm tall. The range is usually plus or minus 2 cm. A 175 shirt fits heights from 173 to 177 cm.
Type
The type refers to chest measurement. It is also in centimeters. 92 means the shirt fits chests around 92 cm. The range is plus or minus 1 cm. A 92 fits chests from 91 to 93 cm.
Body Type Code
The code indicates body shape. A, B, and C are used. They are based on the difference between chest and waist measurements. A is for standard builds. B is for fuller builds. C is for larger builds.
| Code | Chest to Waist Difference | Body Type |
|---|---|---|
| A | 16–12 cm | Standard |
| B | 11–7 cm | Fuller |
| C | 6–2 cm | Larger |
A real-world example: A man is 176 cm tall. His chest is 92 cm. His chest-to-waist difference is 14 cm. He wears a 175/92A shirt. It fits well.
How Are Men’s Shirts Sized by Collar?
Men’s shirts also use collar circumference. This is the traditional method. Numbers run from 37 to 45 or more. The number is the collar size in centimeters. You measure around the neck. Add a finger’s width for comfort.
Collar Size Chart
| Euro Size | Height Range | Collar Size |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 155–160 cm | 37–38 |
| S | 160–165 cm | 39 |
| M | 165–170 cm | 40 |
| L | 170–175 cm | 41 |
| XL | 175–180 cm | 43 |
| XXL | 180–185 cm | 44 |
| XXXL | 185+ cm | 45+ |
Matching Collar to Height
The table shows approximate matches. A man with height 165 to 170 cm often wears collar size 40. A man with height 180 to 185 cm often wears collar size 44.
A real-world example: A colleague is 182 cm tall. He buys shirts with collar size 44. They fit his neck and shoulders. He does not need to try every shirt.
How Do You Read a Shirt Label?
A typical shirt label shows number/type and collar size. It might say 175/92A with collar 41. This means the shirt fits a person around 175 cm tall with a 92 cm chest and standard build. The collar is 41 cm.
Understanding the Numbers
The number/type is based on measurements. The collar size is separate. Both are important. The collar size ensures the neck fits. The number/type ensures the body fits.
Example Breakdown
Shirt 175/92A. Height 175 cm. Chest 92 cm. Body type A. The shirt fits someone 173 to 177 cm tall with a chest 91 to 93 cm. The chest-to-waist difference is 16 to 12 cm.
What Do Body Type Codes Mean?
Body type codes are A, B, and C. They describe the relationship between chest and waist.
A Body Type
A is the most common. The chest is 16 to 12 cm larger than the waist. This is a standard build. The shirt fits without being tight or loose.
B Body Type
B is for a fuller build. The chest is 11 to 7 cm larger than the waist. The shirt has more room in the waist area.
C Body Type
C is for a larger build. The chest is 6 to 2 cm larger than the waist. The shirt has the most room in the waist.
A real-world example: A man has a chest of 100 cm and a waist of 90 cm. The difference is 10 cm. He wears a B body type shirt. It fits his waist better than an A.
How Do You Measure for a Shirt?
Accurate measurements ensure a good fit. You need a soft measuring tape.
Height
Stand straight. Measure from the top of the head to the floor. This gives your height. Use it to find the number on the label.
Chest
Measure around the fullest part of the chest. Keep the tape level. Do not pull too tight. This is your chest measurement. Use it for the type on the label.
Waist
Measure around the natural waist. This is the narrowest part. Use it to find your chest-to-waist difference. This determines your body type code.
Collar
Measure around the neck. Place the tape just below the Adam’s apple. Add one finger width for comfort. This is your collar size.
A real-world example: A man measures his chest at 98 cm. His waist is 84 cm. The difference is 14 cm. He fits A body type. His collar is 41 cm. He looks for shirts labeled 175/98A with collar 41.
What About European Sizes?
European sizes use letters. XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL. These are less precise. They are based on height ranges.
European Size Table
| Euro Size | Height Range | Collar Size |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 155–160 | 37–38 |
| S | 160–165 | 39 |
| M | 165–170 | 40 |
| L | 170–175 | 41 |
| XL | 175–180 | 43 |
| XXL | 180–185 | 44 |
| XXXL | 185+ | 45+ |
European sizes are a shortcut. They work if you know your height and collar size. They are not as precise as number/type with collar.
How Do You Choose the Right Size?
Choosing the right size starts with measurements. Measure your height, chest, waist, and collar. Use the charts to find your number/type and collar size.
Step-by-Step
- Measure your height. Find the number (e.g., 175).
- Measure your chest. Find the type (e.g., 92).
- Measure your waist. Calculate chest-to-waist difference. Find your body type code (A, B, C).
- Measure your collar. Find your collar size (e.g., 41).
- Look for shirts labeled with your number/type and collar size.
When Sizes Vary
Different brands may fit differently. Use the number/type as a starting point. Try shirts on if possible. The collar should be comfortable. The shoulders should align. The chest should not pull.
A real-world example: A man knows his measurements. He buys a shirt online with the correct number/type and collar size. It fits well. He repeats the order from the same brand. He saves time.
Conclusion
Shirt sizing follows a standard. The number/type system uses height and chest. The body type code A, B, or C indicates chest-to-waist difference. Men’s shirts also use collar circumference. Numbers from 37 to 45 indicate collar size in centimeters. European sizes use letters based on height ranges. Accurate measurements are key. Measure height, chest, waist, and collar. Use the charts to find your size. Look for shirts labeled with number/type and collar size. With the right size, shirts fit comfortably. They look good. They last longer because they are not strained.
FAQ: Shirt Size Questions
Q1: What does 175/92A mean on a shirt label?
175 is the height range in centimeters. 92 is the chest measurement. A is the body type code. It means the shirt fits a person 173–177 cm tall with a chest 91–93 cm and a chest-to-waist difference of 12–16 cm.
Q2: How do I measure my collar size?
Place a measuring tape around your neck just below the Adam’s apple. Add one finger width for comfort. The measurement in centimeters is your collar size. Common sizes are 39, 40, 41, etc.
Q3: What is the difference between A, B, and C body types?
A is standard build. Chest is 12–16 cm larger than waist. B is fuller build. Chest is 7–11 cm larger than waist. C is larger build. Chest is 2–6 cm larger than waist.
Q4: How do European sizes correspond to collar sizes?
XS fits collar 37–38. S fits collar 39. M fits collar 40. L fits collar 41. XL fits collar 43. XXL fits collar 44. XXXL fits collar 45 or more.
Q5: Can I use my height alone to choose a shirt?
Height alone is not enough. You also need chest measurement and collar size. Two people of the same height can have different chest sizes. Use number/type and collar for best fit.
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At Yigu Sourcing, we help businesses source men’s shirts from reliable Chinese manufacturers. China produces a vast range of shirts, from dress shirts with precise collar sizes to casual shirts in European sizing. But quality varies. Our team evaluates suppliers based on fabric quality, sizing accuracy, and construction. We verify that shirts meet your specifications for collar size, chest measurement, and body type fit. We inspect before shipment to ensure you receive products that fit as expected. Whether you need dress shirts with precise collar sizes or casual shirts in standard European sizes, Yigu Sourcing connects you with manufacturers who deliver quality. Let us help you bring well-fitting shirts to your customers.